Ekkehard: A Tale of the Tenth Century. Vol. 1 (of 2)

"Ekkehard: A Tale of the Tenth Century" by Joseph Victor von Scheffel is a historical novel that brings the tenth century to life through the experiences of Duchess Hadwig and Ekkehard, a scholar. The story begins with the widowed Hadwig, lost in thought at her fortress, Hohentwiel, before she journeys to the monastery of St. Gallus, a place of great learning and religious devotion. Upon her unannounced arrival, the monks and their abbot must balance welcoming her with their strict monastic existence. The novel uses descriptive language and spirited conversations to explore the characters' relationships, the customs of the time, and the struggle between personal desires and obligations, setting the stage for a fusion of personal stories and historical events.